Subscribe

0

Football

'Winning start for champions!' Fans react as Italy edge out against Albania in UEFA Euro 2024

Luciano Spalletti’s side was shocked in the starting seconds of the game as Albania took 22 seconds to score their first goal of the UEFA Euro 2024.

author-image
Anirban Bose
New Update
Italy edge past Albania

Italy edge past Albania (Source- Twitter)

Listen to this article
0.75x 1x 1.5x
00:00 / 00:00

Italy faced Albania in the second match of Group B in the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024. For the defending champions, a lot of things have changed since their win at the Wembley Stadium in 2021. The La Nazionale have been drawn into the group of death alongside Spain and Croatia. The squad has been rebuilt with most of the footballers from their last win having retired or have not got a chance in the squad. 

Luciano Spalletti’s side was shocked in the starting seconds of the game as Albania took 22 seconds to score their first goal of the UEFA Euro 2024 and have also etched their name in history as it is now the fastest goal in the history of the competition. Nedim Bajrami took advantage of an error committed by the Italian defenders inside their box and sent a shot into the top of the net, past Gianluigi Donnarumma on the near post. 

The reigning champions after the early shock, came back nicely and in a calm manner as they equalised in the 11 minutes of the game after Alessandro Bastoni got a free header to bring back the side on level terms. Soon after 5 minutes, they took the lead with Nicolo Barella’s strike from outside the box ending up at the back of the net.

Italy dominated in the second half 

In the second half, Italy looked much more in control and had more of the possession as well. They dominated the game in the middle area and controlled the tempo of the game, Spalletti’s boys started creating chances playing more passes in the midfield areas and stretching Albania’s defence in the wings.  

Italy had the chance of doubling their lead but they failed to capitalise on their chances and Albania could not have many chances after the first half as they were busy doing their defensive work. The underdogs had the chance nearing the dying minutes of the match but they failed to capitalise. 

Here's how fans reacted

UEFA Euro 2024 Italy